Trading Tyson Barrie Is No Longer An Option

Tyson Barrie is still a very solid player. His issues are definitely evident from time to time, but he still is able to make plays on the ice while maintaining his leadership off the ice for the Edmonton Oilers.

He has slowly become one of my favourite players, as his off-ice personality showcases him as one of the nicest guys in the league. His “offensive defensemen” type of game is something I’ve really enjoyed watching over the last couple seasons, and I know fans feel the same way about him.

Over 2 seasons with the Oilers, Barrie has amassed an impressive 89 points through 129 games. Last season, Barrie had 7 less points than his first season in the Blue & Orange. His impact on the powerplay is something every team looks for, and he continues to prove his worth every season, when some fans expect him to step back. He is able to make plays, while racking up points alongside one of the most lethal special teams units the NHL has ever seen.

With Duncan Keith retiring, Barrie is going to be leaned on as the “veteran D man” and will start the season on the Edmonton Oilers first power play unit again, likely competing with Evan Bouchard. The two players are both extremely strong offensively, and struggle in their own end, but could be powerplay quarterbacks almost anywhere in the NHL.

Trading Barrie was a consideration the Edmonton Oilers made when Keith wasn’t expected to retire but now with him gone, I doubt that’s going to happen and personally, I hope it doesn’t. Any trade involving Barrie likely results in an Oilers loss, and I don’t like the idea of solely moving Barrie for salary cap reasons. If you’re going to move him, trade him for another asset that would fill his role, not just a depth player and a pick.